A new partnership between Governor Brian Kemp and state Labor Commissioner Mark Butler will be highlighted on Sept. 4 when the commissioner hosts an employer summit in Thomasville.

The meeting is one in a series of 12 being held throughout the state called Employers in the Know. The meetings offer the commissioner a chance to meet with employers around the state to share the department’s work and hear back from employers on how they can better be served.

 “These summits are always a learning experience for the department and me,” said Butler. “We are able to inform businesses directly about programs and regulations that may impact their companies. But more importantly, I get to hear directly about what we can do to help make the state even more attractive as a place to locate and grow a business.”

This year there’s a new addition with participation by leadership of the governor’s Georgians First Commission. That group will join in at all 12 stops to engage the audience in a similar conversation.

“The Georgians First Commission looks forward to partnering with Commissioner Butler in this event,” said Scott Hilton, GFC executive director.   “Together we will make Georgia the number one state for small business, and an even better place to live, work, and operate a business.”

Commissioner Butler will discuss current labor department initiatives and programs designed to encourage job growth and economic development throughout the state. The GDOL provides labor market data necessary for economic developers and businesses to make sound decisions about starting or expanding businesses. The GDOL helps match employers with qualified job seekers and helps job seekers secure jobs and develop their careers.

Other speakers include:

Labor law experts who can explain business policies and actions in this complex legal and regulatory business environment; 

Georgia Department of Labor analysts speaking on unemployment insurance; and

Experts who will present valuable information on Sexual Harassment for Managers…A New Look, GeorgiaBEST@Work and more.

The summits, which help employers learn how to better understand and conquer compliance challenges in the workplace, are sponsored by the GDOL and local employer committees.

The summit will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Southern Regional Technical College, Building D, Room 106/107, 15689 US Highway 19 N, Thomasville, Georgia.

Three weeks prior to the event, the cost is $50. Onsite registration the day of will cost $60. Groups of six or more are eligible for 10% off the rate in effect at the time of registration. Go to https://dol.georgia.gov/blog/2019-regional-business-summits for more details.